Here is an article from the Fordham Institute regarding the research and findings
June 2018: Last week, there was an article in the Wall Street Journal – called “The Catholic School Difference” – discussing a study about the lasting, positive benefits of structure and self-discipline in our Nation’s Catholic schools. Here are some of the key items that came away from the study and are noted in the article:
First: “Schools that value and focus on self discipline will likely do a better job of fostering it in children.” If other schools “took self discipline as seriously as Catholic schools do, they wouldn’t have to spend as much time, energy and political capital on penalizing students” for bad behavior.
Second: “Assuming that these results reflect a ‘Catholic Schools Effect,’ other schools might consider both explicit and implicit methods to replicate it.” The report notes that some “no excuses” charter schools are already doing this, through the curriculum or the way students interact with adults and teachers who model self-discipline themselves.
Third: “Don’t underestimate the power of religion to positively influence a child’s behavior.” Religion isn’t the only way to foster self-discipline, the authors emphasize, but it’s effective compared to most of the alternatives in channeling youthful energy into productive self-control. Here is a scan of the Wall Street Journal article
Gym Uniforms on Monday
/in Uncategorized /by Saint James SchoolDue to the anticipated 90+ degree weather this coming Monday, all students (with the exception of 5th grade, who will be down at the church in the afternoon) may wear their GYM uniform to school on Monday.
School Bus Clarification
/in St. James Notices /by Saint James School1) If your child currently utilizes the school bus to and from home and you are still at the same address, you DO NOT need to do anything for the 2018-2019 school year. Mrs. Sager will automatically request for your child to be added to the bus.
2) If your child will be getting picked up at one location (your house) and dropped of at a different location in Manchester at the end of the day (daycare, gramma’s house, etc.) you must complete a special form. This form is ONLY needed for students using the bus that are picked up by the bus and dropped off by the bus in different locations. The link for the form and information can be found HERE. (we realize the form still says 2017 and have asked the town to update it. For now, please cross off 2017 and write 2018 when you fill out the form).
3) If you have a new student coming into the school and would like to ensure bus transportation is set up (or have other bus-related questions) please contact Mrs. Sager at 860-643-5088.
Thank you!
WSJ Article – “The Catholic School Difference”
/in St. James Notices /by Saint James SchoolHere is an article from the Fordham Institute regarding the research and findings
June 2018: Last week, there was an article in the Wall Street Journal – called “The Catholic School Difference” – discussing a study about the lasting, positive benefits of structure and self-discipline in our Nation’s Catholic schools. Here are some of the key items that came away from the study and are noted in the article:
First: “Schools that value and focus on self discipline will likely do a better job of fostering it in children.” If other schools “took self discipline as seriously as Catholic schools do, they wouldn’t have to spend as much time, energy and political capital on penalizing students” for bad behavior.
Second: “Assuming that these results reflect a ‘Catholic Schools Effect,’ other schools might consider both explicit and implicit methods to replicate it.” The report notes that some “no excuses” charter schools are already doing this, through the curriculum or the way students interact with adults and teachers who model self-discipline themselves.
Third: “Don’t underestimate the power of religion to positively influence a child’s behavior.” Religion isn’t the only way to foster self-discipline, the authors emphasize, but it’s effective compared to most of the alternatives in channeling youthful energy into productive self-control. Here is a scan of the Wall Street Journal article
2017-2018 Yearbooks For Sale
/in Uncategorized /by Saint James SchoolYearbooks are on their way! If you did not order a yearbook, but would like to purchase one now, we will have a limited amount of yearbooks that can still be purchased. They will be sold on a first come, first serve basis. Please send $25 cash or check (payable to Saint James School) in a sealed envelope with your child to school. Address it to Mrs. St. Jean: Yearbook. Label it with your child’s name and teacher. Yearbooks will be handed out by homeroom teachers during the last week of school.
Chromebook Return Reminder
/in Uncategorized /by Saint James SchoolChromebooks will be collected from the 7th grade students tomorrow (Friday, 6/15). Please make sure students bring their Chromebook AND power cable to school. Covers should be removed from the Chromebook before they turn it in.
Staff Update
/in Uncategorized /by Saint James SchoolAs you may have read in the latest edition of Saber Stories, we have a few staff members who will be retiring (or relocating) at the end of this school year. We are excited to announce that Mrs. St. Jean will be taking over as the Pre-Kindergarten director, replacing Sandy Valentine who is retiring after 19 years with SJS!
In addition, we have hired Mrs. Meghan Rafferty as our new Art Teacher for grades K – 5, replacing Mrs. Kara Sabatella. Mrs. Sabatella will still be actively involved in our Summer program and is excited to come back to do art in other capacities at SJS next year (book and art club, helping with the art show, etc.).
Congratulations to Mrs. St. Jean and Mrs. Rafferty on their new positions! We are actively interviewing for our other open positions and look forward to keeping you apprised as new staff members are hired into the Saint James School family.
Lost & Found
/in Uncategorized /by Saint James SchoolLost and Found articles will be set up on tables in the breezeway next week. Please stop in and see if any of the items belong to your SJS student.
Reminder: End of Year Dance Party!!
/in St. James Notices /by Saint James SchoolFREE EVENT FOR SJS FAMILIES!
Friday, June 15th from 6:30pm – 8:00pm in the Saint James School Gymnasium
MUSIC, REFRESHMENTS, AND FUN!!
Please click HERE to RSVP
Questions can be directed to the event chair, Jodi Talaga, at talagajodi@gmail.com
More Coding Robot Fun
/in St. James Notices /by Saint James SchoolHere are a few more pictures, sent in by the teachers, of the 1st and 2nd grade kids working with the coding robots:
5th Grade Board Game Project
/in St. James Notices /by Saint James School